Sundial Challenge
 Description
Norbert has lost his watch and he needs to be able to tell the time of day
so he doesn't miss any important appointments. The ancients could tell time
by looking at the direction of the shadow of an object called a gnomon. A
gnomen could be just a straight stick or part of a more ornate sundial. The
direction of the shadow varies with the time of day so it can be used to
tell time. The direction of the gnomon's shadow is simulated in the activity
and a protractor is provided so your students can measure angles. There are
several challenges in the activity: Angle Challenges, Symmetry Challenge,
Measurement Challenge 1, Measurement Challenge 2, Plotting Challenge, Analysis
Challenge 1 and Analysis Challenge 2. In this activity, your students will
see how scientists study nature's secrets as they learn about angles, symmetry,
measurement, plotting and data analysis.
Instructional Objectives
The student will
- tudy sundials with an engaging and fun Squeak activity.
- apply the definitions
of right, acute, obtuse and straight angles.
- explore symmetry by comparing
sundial shadows.
- measure directions of shadows for different times of
day and latitudes.
- plot their data using a scatterplot and use the data
to explain and predict.
- work together cooperatively and analyze and present
their results.
Go to Squeak Sundial Challenge Web Activity
Challenges: We would like to see your student's solutions to the challenges.
Click below to have your students submit their Squeak projects.
Submit your solutions |
